Synopsis: A light and sweet romance story of a resolute yet affectionate boss and his cute and light-hearted assistant. Love with its joys and hassles can turn even the boring office work into an exciting romantic adventure! (Goodreads)

For fans of the Heartstopper series, Day Off offers a similar heartwarming experience with a unique touch of Taiwanese flavour. Created by Dailygreens, Day Off is a touching and refreshing addition to the Boy’s Love (BL) genre. Published by Rusuban Studio, an independent publishing house specialising in BL works, this story captures the everyday lives of white-collars, providing a source of both resonance and solace for readers worldwide.

Set in Taiwan, Day Off explores the life of office workers through a lens that balances both the mundane and the extraordinary. The story follows two male characters who navigate their professional and personal lives, finding love and support in each other. Their journey touches on the universal themes of acceptance and the struggle against societal norms, reflecting the broader issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community.

Dailygreen’s artistic choice of low-saturation colours lends a serene and refreshing visual tone to the novel. This subdued palette complements the gentle, everyday narrative, making the story accessible and soothing for readers of all ages. The clean, minimalist artwork ensures that the focus remains on the characters’ emotions and interactions, enhancing the overall reading experience.

Day Off is more than just a love story; it is a commentary on the LGBTQ+ experience in Taiwan, the first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage. The graphic novel sensitively addresses the difficulties faced by gay individuals in a society that is still coming to terms with full acceptance. Through Shih Tung-Yun and Hua Hsiao-fei, the two main characters’ experiences, the story highlights the importance of family support and the power of love to overcome societal barriers.

The graphic novel also serves as an introductory comic to the BL genre, suitable for all ages. Its lack of explicit scenes makes it a comfortable read even in family settings, a point that has been appreciated by readers globally.

The characters in Day Off are relatable and endearing. They are depicted with depth and authenticity, their struggles and triumphs resonating with readers who have experienced similar challenges. The supportive family dynamics add a layer of warmth and hope, illustrating that acceptance and love are pivotal in navigating the complexities of being gay in a traditional society.

Day Off is a beautifully crafted graphic novel that offers a blend of light-hearted moments and profound messages. Dailygreen’s skills in portraying the subtleties of daily life, coupled with the broader social issues, make this work both engaging and meaningful. The graphic novel’s appeal across different cultures and languages underscores its universal themes of love, acceptance, and the pursuit of happiness.

As the world faces various challenges, including the ongoing pandemic and geopolitical tensions, Day Off provides a much-needed sense of healing and comfort. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of love and the importance of supportive relationships.

Day Off

Written by Qing Cai, aka Dailygrass

2024, Aloha Comics Llc

ISBN: 9781638380207 

PDF Sample 

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Books From Taiwan | Authors. https://booksfromtaiwan.tw/books_info.php?id=514. Accessed 12 June 2024.

‘Day Off’. Goodreads, https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53231188-day-off. Accessed 12 June 2024.

TAICCA. ‘Day Off’. Taiwan Comic City, https://taiwan-comic-city.taicca.tw/book.php?id=47&lang=en. Accessed 12 June 2024.

療癒乾枯現實的甜甜日常：每日青菜與《Day Off》的世界 | CCC追漫台. https://www.creative-comic.tw/special_topics/274. Accessed 12 June 2024.

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Eleanor Duggan is a passionate children’s book reader, a storytelling enchantress, an aspiring globetrotter, a part-time book crafter, and an impassioned foodie who is a cooking disaster. She is more known as an international school teacher-librarian and the International Association of School Librarianship (IASL) Regional Director for East Asia. She is a Taiwanese with a Belgian soul and is currently enjoying her life as a citizen of the world with her daughter and their 2 one-of-a kind cats. You may find her via The Third Culture Librarian 

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